Mwale, Shriyan win Malawi titles!

Daaim Shabazz May 22, 2023

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Malawi crowned FM Joseph Mwale and Priyasha Santosh Shriyan as their new national champions on May 15th. Both were defending champions, thus both mounted a successful defense. It would be Mwale’s 8th title and Shriyan’s 3rd.

“I spent sleepless nights practising my game on opening and closing. I am delighted that it has paid off.”

~FM Joseph Mwale

FM Joseph Mwale

Malawi is a growing federation, but they seem to have good organization and boast some influential members. By all accounts, they put on a first-class event. Mwale finished ahead of the field of 26 with 7.5/9 while Shriyan had 8/9. According to the Daily Times, Mwale commented, “I spent sleepless nights practising my game on opening and closing. I am delighted that it has paid off.”

Despite losing the last game against Francisco Mwangupili, he played slightly above his expected performance. Along with a championship trophy, gold medal, and a tablet, Mwale received K500,000 for the overall title and Shriyan received K300,000. There is not a men’s section.

FM Joseph Mwale and Priyasha Santosh Shriyan

Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) was thankful for its sponsors and supporters which included Malawi National Council of Sports, M1 Electronics, BMM Infratech Consulting Engineering, Mayeso Mphande, Kezzie Msukwa (former President of CHESSAM), Tutule Msukwa and Dadaz Chess Academy.